I currently have an MSI gaming laptop, a GT780DX. It is a very good computer, and I can play Skyrim on Ultra. It is an amazing PC, and for laptops it hardly gets any better than this. However, I have decided that since I have two laptops and I never take this laptop anywhere because it is a little too big to carry around, I will build a serious work/gaming PC instead and actually save money (or break even) and have more performance.

Moreover, I am realizing that to have a real PC it really expands my storage capabilities. I recently bought a 3TB USB 3.0 external for $250 and it was a good deal. But I already used up all but 300mb in only 1 month (although a lot was backing up my current hard drives).

So I realized that having a desktop, I can add in new 2TB 3.5" hard drives for less than $100 each. That Significantly decreases cost of storage and expansion.

I have done a bunch of research on parts. I have been dancing around doing this for over a year, and now it is time to move forward.

Since I just bought two 24" 1080p monitors, I won't be needing monitors. I also have a trackball (I don't like mice, just trackball) and also I just bought a nice illuminated keyboard. So now all I need is the tower. EDIT: I returned the Logitech illuminated keyboard and instead got the challenger ultimate keyboard.

After monitors and peripherals, I want to spend a max of about $800 - $1000 on the actual PC. So far it seems to be working out, but I could use some input as to me selections. I have two main builds, an AMD build and an Intel build. Both fit the budget, and the AMD of course is a little bit less expensive. (UPDATE: HOLIDAY BUILD!!)

Build 3: INTEL v.B - HOLIDAY SALES!! | TOTAL: $2108 (final price higher because of decision to get 2x graphics cards crossfire and more hdd and ssd)Note: Included mostly upgraded parts that are around the same price range. So the cost is almost same as other builds (still less expensive) but is a better and more powerful build!​

You need to squeeze an SSD in there it makes a huge speed difference to any pc and hunt around to try find a 660ti or 7950.

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That is a really great idea - for only $100 now you can get a 120GB SSD.
Only thing is, considering market volatility surrounding SSD prices, it may be economical for me to hold off and upgrade that later. 6 months from now a 120GB SSD might be $80 or less. Point is, SSD is not urgent and it's a one-time buy. Unlike graphics cards, which there's always a newer and better one, SSD on the other hand is just storage; once you buy it, it will be kept for many years. I suppose that's why I didn't include it in the build. Just like, I intend to get like 5 or 6 more 2TB HDD, just not all at once. And for me, it would be more beneficial to spend $100 for 2TB more storage, then for the SSD performance increase.

I'm going to guess you meant 7850 though? Because a 7950 is $320 (actually there is one on NewEgg for $180 after $20 rebate)

My honest opinion, save the money and go AMD 8320 and up the GPU to a 7970 or GTX680. If you game this will be a better rig. BTW, what will you use the desktop for? That is a good question for the recommendation.

My honest opinion, save the money and go AMD 8320 and up the GPU to a 7970 or GTX680. If you game this will be a better rig. BTW, what will you use the desktop for? That is a good question for the recommendation.

Windows 7 Pro 64bit (not sidegrading to Windoze 10 until I have to...)

Benchmark Scores:

WTF is this...I don't even....

Whichever build you're going with, build 1 will be much cheaper with a lower end motherboard (990X, forget 990FX) & same CPU elsewhere (8320 can be found for $170, check microcenter). If going with build 3, go with a 3570K instead. Just pocket the difference towards a better GPU now or later on when you upgrade.

Whichever build you're going with, build 1 will be much cheaper with a lower end motherboard (990X, forget 990FX) & same CPU elsewhere (8320 can be found for $170, check microcenter). If going with build 3, go with a 3570K instead. Just pocket the difference towards a better GPU now or later on when you upgrade.

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If you can get to Microcenter, motherboards are $40 off if you buy a CPU, I walked out on Saturday with a 3570K and a Gigabyte UD5H for $330, including tax.

Whichever build you're going with, build 1 will be much cheaper with a lower end motherboard (990X, forget 990FX) & same CPU elsewhere (8320 can be found for $170, check microcenter). If going with build 3, go with a 3570K instead. Just pocket the difference towards a better GPU now or later on when you upgrade.

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Good idea; only thing is I don't have to decide on the processor tonight, but I do need to buy the motherboard tonight to get it for $99!

Update: wow, talk about Significantly increasing the price!! just 1866 is more than twice the cost, and 2400 is over 4 times the cost!
I think I'll stick with the 1600 for now and later I can upgrade if desired. Rather spend that extra amount on a SSD than RAM.

So, what I have to decide on and buy today (to get the sales):
Motherboard
PSU
Case
RAM
DVD Drive

buying those from the OP, Build 3, except for getting the $29.99 deal of Antec 300 Case, total is:

$316.94 to pay now [minus] $50MIR = $266.94

Only thing I'm still not sure of is the case. Antec Gaming One is only $25 more, and would only increase today's cost by $10 and no worry about MIR for that one.

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Dude, they are selling the 3570K for $169 bucks...pocket the $100 difference, for God's sake. I would kill for that deal. Hyperthreading won't improve anything for a gaming build, you'll end up regretting wasting the cash on what is a useless feature anyway.

Dude, they are selling the 3570K for $169 bucks...pocket the $100 difference, for God's sake. I would kill for that deal. Hyperthreading won't improve anything for a gaming build, you'll end up regretting wasting the cash on what is a useless feature anyway.

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Let me take another look.

p.s. I have decided at last on the original case, the Antec Gaming Series One, my original choice in the OP.